Good Home Post

How to Extend the Life of Your Furnace

Posted on11. Mar, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

By having the furnace cleaned out, you will get what is called “gas scale build-up” out of the heating elements of the furnace such as the heat exchangers and combustion chamber. This substance looks like rust, and will plug up the components of the furnace, causing them to overheat and eventually crack.
The other part of [...]

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Banned Building Materials Are Real Home Health Hazards

Posted on10. Mar, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

 
Millions of homes harbor lead-based paint, asbestos, and toxic wood preservatives. All three have been banned from building products, but they continue to plague building owners and occupants.
Lead-based paint
Of the three, lead-based paint is by far the greatest hazard. Young children who ingest old paint chips or get lead-contaminated dust on their hands and in [...]

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Air Pollution Increases Risk of Heart Attack

Posted on25. Feb, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

A new study out of the University of Michigan shows that air pollution increases blood pressure and the risk of heart attack. The study is the first to identify that fine particulate matter is worse for cardiovascular health than ozone. It also shows the specific ways that air pollution affects one’s heart health. To reduce [...]

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How Indoor Air Quality Affects People

Posted on22. Feb, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

The greatest difficulty in solving indoor air quality problems is that effects on people can vary.  One of a pollutant can have a completely different effect on two different people.  While pollutants found in indoor air can be responsible for many harmful effects, there is considerable uncertainty as to what concentrations or periods of exposure [...]

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Heating, Air-conditioning and Carpets May be Hazardous to Your Health

Posted on29. Jan, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are repeatedly exposed to indoor allergens and airborne particles that can lead to respiratory symptoms and conditions.
Arlington Heights IL – infoZine – Newswise – Damp environments, poorly maintained heating and air-conditioning systems and carpeting may contribute to poor indoor air quality, according to experts [...]

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How To Control Dust, Dust Mites, and Other Allergens in Your Home

Posted on29. Jan, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

Dust builds up throughout your home. The dust may contain substances that trigger asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, or another allergic reaction, such as the rash of atopic dermatitis or stuffy nose of allergic rhinitis. These substances are called allergens. Dust mites are another example of an allergen.
Although there is no strong evidence [...]

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Safe Ways to Kill Germs

Posted on14. Jan, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

Even if you wear gloves when cleaning the toilet or bathtub, it is a good idea to wash your hands afterward. This eliminates bacteria from water that may get on your hands as you take off the gloves.
Also: 

Clean the bathtub at least once weekly with scouring powder or a solution made with one-half cup of [...]

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Quick Tips on Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

Posted on07. Jan, 2010 by Oksana Irwin.

Leave Pollutants at the Door

Wipe your feet on a doormat or remove your shoes at the door.
Reduce dust and dirt on your floors.

Vacuum at least twice a week using a HEPA filter, and/or mop floors.
Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with washable area rugs.

Breathe Clean Air

Make your home a no-smoking zone.
Ventilate your home often: Open your windows to [...]

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What Are Volatile Organic Compounds and How to Avoid Them?

Posted on14. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.  VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering [...]

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Nontoxic Cleaning Kit

Posted on05. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

You can clean your house from top to bottom with just eight simple ingredients. To save time and money, buy the ingredients in bulk and make cleaners in advance.
Baking Soda
A truly multitasking cleaner, baking soda is a perfect substitute for cleaning powders that scour sinks and tubs without scratching. It’s also great for wiping down [...]

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